Plant for a Purpose
7b.
Plant 100 trees, bushes, and/or vines for a good purpose.
This requirement is about purposeful planting, not just hitting a number. Your plants should solve a real problem or create a real benefit, such as stabilizing soil, shading a stream, building wildlife habitat, restoring native cover, or reducing erosion on a slope.
A good project starts with the site. Ask:
- What problem is this planting meant to fix?
- Which species fit this soil, moisture, and light?
- Who will care for the plants after they go in the ground?
- How will you know the project succeeded?
Good purposes for planting
- stabilizing a bare slope or streambank
- creating a windbreak
- restoring native habitat
- improving shade and infiltration around a school, camp, or park
- helping a reforestation or community restoration effort
Before You Plant
Set the project up to survive, not just to happen
- Get landowner or manager approval.
- Confirm the species are suitable and not invasive.
- Match planting time to local season and rainfall.
- Plan for watering, mulch, protection, and follow-up care.
Req 7c is similar in spirit but works at a larger area scale using grasses or legumes instead of woody plants.